Why is a database better than a spreadsheet
Usually is a database better than a spreadsheet comes down to settings, permissions, locale, or how the data is typed (text vs numbers vs dates). Check Format → Number, Data → Data validation, and whether the sheet is filtered or protected. Compare a working cell next to a broken one to spot the difference faster than rewriting everything.
Steps
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1
Reproduce the issue on a tiny sample.
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2
Check number/date formats and filters.
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3
Check share permissions and protected ranges.
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4
Fix the cause, then reapply to the full range.
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Terms and formulas behind this
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filters in Google Sheets
Filtering hides rows that do not match criteria without deleting data. The filter toolbar on a header row is the fast...
Open →FILTER
FILTER returns only the rows from a range that meet one or more conditions. Conditions are boolean arrays the same he...
Open →Data validation
Data validation restricts what can be entered in a cell before bad data spreads through your model. Rules can enforce...
Open →dropdowns / data validation
Data validation restricts what people can type in a cell. A dropdown is the friendly face of that feature: pick from ...
Open →protect sheets/ranges
Protection limits who can edit specific cells, ranges, or entire tabs while others keep view or comment access. It is...
Open →sharing Google Sheets
Sharing controls who can open a spreadsheet and what they can do inside it. The Share button invites people by email ...
Open →cell formatting
Cell formatting controls how values display without necessarily changing the stored value underneath. Currency, perce...
Open →DATE()
Google Sheets DATE() function guide
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Usually is better than excel comes down to settings, permissions, locale, or how the data is typed (text vs numbers vs dates). Check Format → Number, Data → Data validation, and whether the sheet is filtered or protected. Compare a working cell next to a broken one to spot the difference faster than rewriting everything.
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